Stair climber machine -what am I doing wrong?

Keladry

This is embarrassing but I can't figure out how to use the stair climbers at the gym. Even if I put them on level 1 and put all my weight down on one leg the pedals go down SO slowly. At first I thought I must just be really unfit and stayed away from them for a while but I'm now a bit fitter and it's the same! I climb up 4 flights of stairs with my bag for work a few times a week and although my heart rate and breathing go up, one step is no way as hard as one step on the gym machines.

Azdak

DON'T try to push the steps down. The steppers are more like treadmills--as you increase the workload they go faster and you just have to keep up.

You are using them like a bike or cross trainer where you have to supply the force to push them down. It's like you are trying to move a wall.

Increase the speed/workload and see what I mean--just step fast enough to keep up with the movement--don't try to make it go faster. Your body weight is the basic unit of resistance.

JANETSHERMANN

Keladry, I thought i was the only one that didn't know how to use the stair climber machine! thanks to both of you for this post

smarieallen85

Well...the ones at my gym go up to level 20 so if yours does too I bet level 1 is literally like...nothing. Try level 4 or speed intervals.

tlicttbh

Could you ask one of the staff people at the gym? That's what they are there for.

smarieallen85

Also make sure you pressed start! Though I'm sure you did